Aqueous compositions for delivering active ingredients and methods of making and using same

ABSTRACT

An aqueous composition comprising an active ingredient, a volatile organic compound and water, which is homogenized so that at least 90% by weight of the active ingredient are in particles of less than 1.0 micron in diameter, may be used to deliver an active ingredient. Suitable active ingredients include, but are not limited to, mold releases, coatings, solvents and reactive compounds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many industrial processes involve operations in which active ingredientsare delivered in compositions carried by organic solvents. Due toenvironmental concerns, manufacturers have been seeking to discontinuethe use of organic solvents and substitute water as the carrier of theactive ingredients. Organic solvents tend to be at least somewhat toxicand contribute to air pollution, e.g., by creating smog. Additionally,some volatile organics are known to be catalysts in the destruction ofozone in the upper atmosphere, particularly dichlorodifluoromethane andtrichlorofluoromethane, which have been used extensively in propellantsfor aerosols and as blowing agents.

Particular compositions where active ingredients are carried by a liquidinclude mold release compositions which are sprayed, or otherwiseapplied onto the surface of a mold so that the product to be made in themold may be readily removed therefrom. The major components of suchcompositions have been a solvent and an active ingredient, such as arelease lubricating agent or another solvent. Previously, most moldrelease compositions included volatile organics as solvents whichnormally make up about 90.0% to about 99.5%, by weight, of thecompositions, and most commonly about 95.0% by weight.

In some mold release compositions, water has been used as a carrier inwhich the active ingredient and water is used in place of volatileorganic solvents. Additional agents such as emulsifiers and wettingagents have also generally been used in such compositions. Water is notconsidered a solvent in such compositions because active ingredients aregenerally insoluble in water; however, the water serves the same basicfunction as the organic solvent did--to deliver the active ingredient.These compositions have been used in rubber-processing plants and havebeen used recently to release some plastic and polyurethane parts.

Water has several distinct advantages over organic solvents in its useas a carrier, in that it is non-toxic, environmentally friendly andinexpensive. On the other hand, water has some significant disadvantagesas a replacement for organic solvents in liquid compositions used todeliver active ingredients (hereinafter "delivery compositions"). Waterdoes not coat most surfaces evenly since it is repelled by manymaterials, e.g., metals, plastics, and glass. Rather, water tends toform beads or droplets on surfaces so that, when the water evaporates,the compounds dispersed in the water are deposited unevenly on thesurface. The addition of surfactant and other similar substances to thedelivery compositions is only partially successful in eliminating thisproblem.

Additionally, most compounds that are used as active ingredients, suchas lubricating or release agents, are relatively immiscible in water.Substantive amounts of emulsifiers, surfactants or other substances havehad to be used with the water to mix these otherwise immiscibleingredients together. Emulsifiers and surfactants are normallynon-volatile, chemically modified fatty acids and other compounds thathave segments of the molecule that are soluble in the water and segmentsthat are soluble in the material to be suspended, e.g., ethoxylatedfatty acid esters. Since emulsifiers and surfactants are not volatile,they remain with and mix with the active ingredient(s) when the waterevaporates. They are usually present in amounts up to 10 to 20% of theactive ingredient and may interfere with the operation of the activeingredient. In addition, the surfactants or emulsifiers may bechemically unstable under tile conditions of use and may decompose dueto heat or for other reasons with deleterious results.

Attempts to solve this problem by adding less emulsifier to the water tominimize emulsifier build-up and by adding water soluble solvents whichhave been only partially successful because the emulsion or dispersionbecomes less stable and the active ingredients tend to separate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a unique method for making an aqueousdelivery composition wherein an active ingredient which is insoluble inwater (or only slightly soluble), which active ingredient could haveother compounds dissolved in it, is suspended in water using a volatileorganic that is soluble in both the water and the compound to besuspended. The active ingredient has a low enough viscosity so that itmay be homogenized so that at least 90% by weight of the particles ofthe active ingredient are less than one micron in diameter.Additionally, the volatile organic is usually fugitive.

Additionally, specifically a mold release composition comprising anactive ingredient, such as a lubricating or release agent or awater-insoluble solvent, and water, wherein water is the liquid carrierin which the active agent is dispersed, may be improved by the additionof a volatile organic compound and the homogenization of saidcomposition to achieve a particle size of essentially all of the activeingredient contained therein of less than about 1.0 micron in diametermeasured via photon correlation spectroscopy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the differential particle diameter distribution of asilicone in a composition of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the cumulative particle diameter distribution of asilicone in a composition of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates the differential particle diameter distribution of asilicone in a composition of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the cumulative particle diameter distribution of asilicone in a composition of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates the differential particle diameter distribution of asilicone in a composition of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates the cumulative particle diameter distribution of asilicone in a composition of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates the differential particle diameter distribution of amineral spirits in a composition of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates the cumulative particle diameter distribution of amineral spirits in a composition of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates the differential particle diameter distribution of aresin dissolved in xylene in a composition of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates the cumulative particle diameter distribution of aresin dissolved in xylene in a composition of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

I. General Composition

Adding certain volatile organics, such as alcohols and amines, todelivery compositions in which water is the carrier and homogenizingsaid composition has surprising results in increasing the utility ofwater as a carrier in delivery compositions. As contemplated herein,delivery compositions are comprised of about 60% to about 94% water,about 4% to about 20% of an active ingredient, about 2% to about 30% ofa volatile organic and about 0.003% to about 0.5% of a surfactant, withall percentages being based on weight of the final composition. Optionalingredients in the composition include, but are not limited to resins,coatings, and organic compounds.

II. Volatile Organics

The volatile organics of the present invention reduce the surfacetension of the water which reduces the beading of the composition whensprayed. The volatile organics are preferably fugitive, i.e., volatileat the temperature and condition of its intended use, so they can beremoved from the other ingredients and so as not to build up onsurfaces. In the case where the active ingredients chemically react toform a new compound, the volatile organic may be evaporated or be partof the new composition and so does not necessarily need to be fugitive.The presence of volatile organics causes the water to wet surfacesbetter than water alone, producing a smoother, more even film onsurfaces. By using volatile organics in a composition of the presentinvention, emulsifiers or dispersing agents, that constituted 10% to 20%of the weight of the suspended material in prior aqueous deliverycompositions, can be eliminated from the composition because thevolatile organics component increase the dispersibility of activeingredients in the water.

The volatile organics that may be used in the present invention aregenerally those compounds which are substantially soluble in water andin which the active ingredient is substantially miscible. Exemplaryvolatile organics for use in the present invention are low molecularweight alcohols and amines or in general polar solvents having fewerthan 8 carbons and having viscosities of less than 10 centistokes (csks)at 25° C. that evaporate relatively quickly at the temperature of use.Exemplary alcohols for use in the present invention include, but are notlimited to, ethanol, 1-propanol, isopropanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, andglycols such as 1-methoxy 2-propanol. Exemplary amines for use in thepresent invention include, but are not limited to, 1-propyl amine and2-propyl amine. Such amines and alcohols are not destructive to theozone layer. Amines tend to produce a more even dispersion incompositions of the present invention but they also tend to be moretoxic than alcohols and their usage may not be preferred incircumstances requiting more than minimal amounts of the composition,due to their toxicity. Of the alcohols, isopropyl alcohol has been foundto be a preferred additive.

The volatile organic should be present at about 2% to about 30% byweight of the total composition. A mixture of various volatile organicsmay be used. The greater the amount of volatile organic in the solution,the greater the amount of water-insoluble material, i.e., the activeingredient that may be added to the solution, e.g., in a compositioncontaining 8% by weight isopropyl alcohol, 5% silicone may be added,while in a composition containing 23% by weight isopropyl alcohol, 18%by weight silicone may be added. Note, however, that as the percent ofvolatile organic increases, the benefits of an aqueous solution arediminished, e.g., toxicity and price may increase. Generally, when acomposition contains greater than 9% by weight of isopropyl alcohol, itbecomes flammable at room temperature and should be handled accordingly.

III. Active Ingredients

Active ingredients for use herein can have with a viscosity of about 0.5to about 10,000, csks at 25° C., though the lower the viscosity thebetter the resulting suspension. The preferred range of viscosities forthe active ingredients is 0.5 to 100 csks at 25° C., with the mostpreferred range to is 0.5 to 40 csks. Low viscosities make it possibleto achieve a better suspension of the active ingredients in thecomposition because it results in a finer particle size thereof.

The active ingredients selected depend upon the application. Forexample, in mold release compositions, the active ingredient is alubricating or release agent, such as silicones, low melting pointwaxes, lecithin, hydrocarbon oils, chlorinated solvents, vegetablederived compounds or mixtures thereof. Other active ingredients includesolvents, napthas, vegetable oils, fatty acid and insoluble soaps, suchas magnesium and zinc stearate xylenes and like compounds. Activeingredients can includes reactants for delivery, into a chemicalreaction.

A preferred composition with a low viscosity silicone with the neededrelease capability for mold release compositions is a mix of a standardlow viscosity (20 csks) dimethyl silicone with a structure of[--Si(CH₃)₂ --O--]_(n) be mixed with a higher viscosity dimethylsilicone with the desired release properties. The ratio of low viscosity(about 20 csks) silicone, to the higher viscosity silicone (about 350csks) is about 80 and 20 percent by weight, but other ratios may beused.

Solvents which are insoluble in water may be used as all or part of theactive ingredients in the present invention. The solvents are volatileat the temperature or condition of application or if they are notvolatile, become part of the coating by mixing or polymerization.Moreover, solvents that provide a leveling (spreading) effect to anyadditives, which may or may not react with such additive, are useful.Suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, naphthas, paraffins,and water-insoluble aromatic compounds.

Other examples of such ingredients include silicone resins which may bedissolved in solvents and dispersed in the water to make asemi-permanent or permanent mold coatings for releasing rubber, plasticor other polymers. Similarly, other coatings, such as paints, vanishes,and other protective coatings or also various adhesive compounds may beused. In particular applications solvents, as discussed above, may beneeded to be added to the composition to carry such active ingredientsand so should be included in the composition as an active ingredientalong with any release or lubricating agents.

However, one must ensure that the viscosity of the composition is notincreased sufficiently to disturb the wetting ability of the compositionwhich may occur at viscosities of about 1,000 to about 10,000 csks at25° C.

IV. Homogenization

While the presence of a volatile organic in a water-based deliverycomposition helps disperse the active ingredient, additional stepsshould be taken to disperse the active ingredient evenly throughout thecomposition and to avoid having agglomerations of the activeingredient(s) within the dispersion. This is preferably accomplished byhomogenizing the composition so that the particles are sufficientlysmall to obtain an even distribution of fine particles of activeingredient throughout the composition. Homogenization results in a finerparticle size and a better, more stable suspension of the activeingredient.

Compositions that are not homogenized generally have a shelf life of afew hours. Like oil and water, such compositions tend to separaterelatively quickly. However, the homogenized delivery compositions ofthe present invention surprisingly have been found to have shelf livesof three months or more. Generally, the lower the viscosity of theactive ingredient, the longer the shelf life of the composition. If aslight separation does occur, the solution can be reconstituted readilyby shaking or other types of mixing or agitation. However, generally,the homogenized composition is stable, that is, it may be heated to 60°C. and left overnight without separating into different phases.

The volatile organics assist both in the creation of the dispersion ofthe active ingredient throughout the composition and in the maintenanceof the homogenized composition by creating conditions favorable for thismeta-stable state.

A Cowls mixer homogenizer or a Manton Gaulin, such as are used tohomogenize milk, are examples of apparatus suitable for use tohomogenize compositions of the present invention. Such mills aregenerally available from manufacturers such as Shar, Inc. of Fort Wayne,Ind. and A. P. V. Gaulin, Inc. of Wilmington, Mass.

After homogenization, particle sizes of the active ingredient in thecomposition are typically about 0.10μ to about 0.40μ in diameter,measured via photon correlation spectroscopy, but may have a diameter ashigh as 1.0μ. The particles also typically have a mass weighted mediandiameter of about 0.10μ to about 0.16μ. The small particle sizes in thecompositions of the present invention permit the achievement of evendeposition of the active ingredient on the mold surface. Particlespreferably have a mass weighted median diameter of about 0.10μ to about0.16μ, but much smaller particles may be used in accordance with thepresent invention. In solutions of higher viscosities (greater than10,000 csks at 25° C.) such small particles will not form.

Note, however, there is a considerable spread in particle sizes aboutthe mean size. It is therefore desirable that at least 90% by weight ofthe particles of the active ingredient have a mass weighted diameter ofless than about 1.0μ.

V. Surfactant

Surfactants are preferably added to the homogenized composition, atabout 25 to 5000 ppm (about 0.0.03% to about 0.5% by weight). Thesurfactant lowers the surface tension of the water and improves thedispersion of the composition with the advantages as stated above andallows better wetting of the surface. Suitable surfactant for use in thepresent invention include, but are not limited to, a mixture offluorinated alkyl alkoxylates and sulfonomides, e.g., FC171 from 3M(Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing), fluorocarbons, e.g., ZONYLS FSN fromDupont, alcohol sulfate amine salts, e.g., DUPONNOL G from Dupont,alcohol phosphate salts, e.g., ZELEC NE from Dupont and alkyl phosphateethoxylates, e.g., ZONYL-A from DuPont.

VI. Applications

The delivery composition as described may be used as a sprayable liquidor in aerosol cans depending on the required usage. Compositions mayalso be applied with a brush, rag or similar means.

The delivery composition may be made first in a concentrated homogenizedform and additional water may be added just prior to usage, with thecomposition being mixed before actual use. This allows for a more readystorage of the composition.

VII. Optional Ingredients

A particularly beneficial additional component of the present inventionis a water-soluble surfactant/levelling agent which can triple the shelflife of compositions of the present invention. Such agents may be addedat 0.1-1.0 % by weight to delivery compositions of the present inventionas compared to the 10-20% of delivery compositions previously required.In such small quantities by weight these agents do not leave a depositthat would interfere with the delivery but do improve the ability of theactive ingredient to remain in solution. Exemplary agents are SILWETL-77, SILWET L-7602 and SILWET L-7001, brand exthoxylated siliconesurfactant all available from Union Carbide Corporation of Danbury,Conn.

VIII. Examples

Example 1--Mold Release Composition

Isopropyl alcohol and a silicone solution were added to water so thatthe weight percentages of these ingredients were respectively, 6, 5, and89 percent. The silicone composition was made up of 80% by weight of alow viscosity silicone, DC-200 (20 csks) from Dow Coming, and 20% byweight a high viscosity silicone, RA-157, from Genesee Polymer. Themixture was then homogenized in a high speed lab mixer with two straightblades which were sharpened on the leading edge. A wetting agent, FC-171at 200 ppm and SILWET L-77 brand ethoxylated silicone surfactant at 50ppm, were added to this suspension.

The suspension was left undisturbed for eleven days. The suspension hada mottled surface, which suggested an oil slick, covered abouttwo-thirds of it, though only about 10% of the suspension was separated.Shaking the sample redispersed the smaller globules, and there was noparticular tendency to foam. However, it separated again after 24 hours.

The suspension was sampled beneath the surface and evaluated forparticle size in acrylic cuvettes with a Brookhaven BI-90 photoncorrelation spectrometer. The suspended solid, the silicone, was foundto have a diameter measured via light scattering by photon correlationspectroscopy (hereinafter the "diameter via light scattering") of0.73±0.11μ, intersity weighted, with a normalized standard deviation of2.6_(o). The mass-weighted median diameter of these particles was foundto be 0.12μ with a normalized standard deviation of 2.6_(o). Thedifferential mass-weighted particle size distribution is illustrated inFIG. 1. The cumulative mass weighted particle size distribution isillustrated in FIG. 2.

This sample released polyurethane plastic well but it had to be agitatedbefore it was used. If agitated prior to use, the shelf life was two tothree months.

Example 2--Mold Release Composition

Isopropyl alcohol and a silicones composition were added to water sothat the weight percentages of these ingredients were, respectively, 8,6, and 86. The silicone composition was made up of 80% by weight of alow viscosity silicone, DC-200 (20 cks) from Dow Coming, and 20% byweight a high viscosity silicone, RA-157, from Genesee Polymer. Themixture was then homogenized in a lab mixer. A wetting agent, FC 171 at190 ppm and SILWET L-77 brand ethoxylated silicone surfactant at 540 ppmwere added to this suspension.

The suspension was left undisturbed for five days. Little separation wasseen after the five days. The suspension was sampled beneath the surfaceand evaluated for particle size in acrylic cuvettes with a BrookhavenBI-90 photon correlation spectrometer. The suspended solid, thesilicone, was found to have a diameter via light scattering of0.62±0.02μ with a normalized standard deviation of 2.4_(o). Themass-weighted median diameter of these particles was found to be 0.13μwith a normalized standard deviation of 2.4_(o). The differentialmass-weighted particle size distribution of this suspension isillustrated in FIG. 3. The cumulative mass weighted particle sizedistribution of this suspension is illustrated in FIG. 4.

Like Example 1, this sample released polyurethane well.

Example 3--Mold Release Composition

Isopropyl alcohol, a silicone composition and a water soluble silicone,SILWET L-77 brand ethoxylated silicone surfactant, available from UnionCarbide, were added to water so that the weight percentages of theseingredients were respectively 6, 5, 0.4, and 88.6. The siliconecomposition was made up of 80% by weight of a low viscosity silicone,DC-200 (20 cks) from Dow Corning, and 20% by weight a high viscositysilicone, RA-157, from Genesee Polymer. This mixture was homogenized ina Manton Gaulin homogenizer made by APV Gaulin, Inc. A wetting agent,FC-171, was added at 1000 ppm to the suspension.

A sample of the suspension was left in the oven for 16 hours at 60° C.without separation occurring. After 30 days slight separation occurred,but it was readily dispersed with light agitation. The differentialmass-weighted particle size distribution of this suspension isillustrated in FIG. 5. The cumulative mass weighted particle sizedistribution of this suspension is illustrated in FIG. 6.

This composition makes an excellent mold release composition.

Example 4--Mineral Spirit Release

Isopropyl alcohol, SILWET L-77 brand ethoxylated silicone surfactant,and mineral spirits, QUIKDRI from Ashland Chemical, were added to waterso that the weight percentages of these ingredients were respectively 6,0.4, 5 and 88.6. This mixture was homogenized in the lab mixer. Awetting agent, FC-171, was added at 1000 ppm to the suspension.

A sample was left undisturbed for 10 days and had begun to separate. Thesample was shaken vigorously and no disturbing foaming was experienced.The dispersion was then sampled beneath the surface and evaluated forparticle size in acrylic cuvettes with a Brookhaven BI-90 photoncorrelation spectrometer. The diameter via light scattering was0.50±0.06μ. The mineral oil was found to have a mass-weighted mediandiameter of 0.26μ with a normalized standard deviation of 1.8_(o). Thedifferential mass-weighted particle size distribution of this suspensionis illustrated in FIG. 7. The cumulative mass-weighted particle sizedistribution of this suspension is illustrated in FIG. 8.

Example 5--Silicone Resin Delivery Composition

Isopropyl alcohol, xylene, a silicone resin, Q62230 from Dow Corning,and SILWET L-77 brand ethoxylated silicone surfactant were added towater so that weight percentages of these ingredients were respectively6, 2, 3, 0.4, 88.6. This mixture was homogenized in the lab mixer. Awetting agent, FC-171, was added at 1000 ppm to the suspension. Thesuspension was sampled beneath the surface and evaluated for particlesize in acrylic cuvettes with a Brookhaven BI-90 photon correlationspectrometer. The suspended solid, the resin, was found to have adiameter via light scattering of 0.36±0.04μ with a normalized standarddeviation of 1.8±0.1_(o). The mass-weighted median diameter of theseparticles was found to be 0.19μ with a normalized standard deviation of1.8_(o).

This composition delivered the resin to produce a coating on a surface.

When the liquid mixture described in Example 5 was heated on an aluminumsheet at 340° F. for one hour, a hard resin film was produced on thesurface. Since the film was moderately slippery and adhered well to thealuminum surface, it is believed that many (100 or more) releases couldbe obtained when molding rubber parts when this film has been applied tothe surface.

I claim:
 1. A method for delivering an active ingredient having aviscosity of about 0.5 to about 10,000 csks at 25° C. in an aqueousdispersion comprising:a. providing a mixture of an active ingredienthaving a viscosity of less than 10,000 centistokes at 25° C., water anda volatile organic compound which is soluble in water and in which theactive ingredient is dispersed, selected from the group consisting oflow molecular weight amines and mixtures thereof; b. homogenizing themixture to form a dispersion wherein at least 90% by weight of theactive ingredient is suspended in particles of less than 1 micron indiameter; and c. applying said dispersion to a surface.
 2. A methodaccording to claim 1 wherein the mixture additionally comprises analcohol selected from the group consisting of ethanol, 1-propanol,1-methoxy 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol and mixtures thereof.
 3. Amethod according to claim 1 wherein the active ingredient is selectedfrom the group consisting of silicone, lecithin, hydrocarbon oil,chlorinated solvent, and a mixture thereof.
 4. A method according toclaim 1 wherein the mixture is homogenized so that the active ingredienthas a mass weighted mean particle diameter of between 0.10 and 0.40μ. 5.An aqueous composition for delivering mold release agents consistingessentially of:a. water in an amount of about 60% to about 96% by weightof the total composition; b. a volatile organic selected from the groupconsisting of low molecular weight alcohols and low molecular weightamines in an amount of about 4% to about 30% by weight of the totalcomposition; c. a mold release agent in an amount of about 0.1% to about20% by weight of the total composition dispersed throughout thecomposition in particles wherein at least 90% of said particles have adiameter of less than 1.0μ; and d. a surfactant in an amount of about0.003% to about 0.5% by weight of the total composition.
 6. Acomposition according to claim 5 wherein the low molecular weightalcohol is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, 1-propanol,1-methoxy 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol and mixtures thereof.
 7. Acomposition according to claim 5 wherein the low molecular weight amineis selected from the group consisting of 1-propyl amine, 2-propyl amineand mixtures thereof.
 8. A composition according to claim 5 wherein thesurfactant is selected from the group consisting of fluorocarbon,alcohol sulfate amine salt, alkyl phosphate ethoxylate, fluorinatedalkyl alkoxylate and sulfonomide.
 9. A composition according to claim 5wherein the mold release agent is selected from the group consisting ofsilicone, lecithin, hydrocarbon oil, and chlorinated solvent.
 10. Acomposition according to claim 5 wherein mole release agent has a massweighted mean particle diameter of between about 0.10 and 0.40μ.
 11. Acomposition according to claim 5 additionally comprising a secondsurfactant at 0.1-1.0% by weight of the composition selected from thegroup consisting of fluorinated alkyl alkoxylates and sulfonomides,fluorocarbons, alcohol sulfate amine salts, alcohol phosphate salts,alkyl phosphate ethoxylates and mixtures thereof.
 12. A method of makingan aqueous composition for delivering active ingredients having aviscosity of about 0.5 to about 10,000 csks at 25° C. comprising:a.mixing water in an amount of about 60% to about 96% by weight of thetotal composition to a volatile organic selected from the groupconsisting of 1-propyl amine, 2-propyl amine and mixtures thereof in anamount of about 4% to about 30% by weight of the total composition andan active ingredient having a viscosity of about 0.5 to about 10,000csks at 25° C. in an amount of about 0.5% to about 20% by weight of thetotal composition; b. agitating said composition so that at least 90% byweight of the active ingredient is dispersed throughout the compositionin particles with a mass-weighted mean particle diameter no greater than1.0μ; and c. adding a surfactant to said mixture in an amount of about0.003% to about 0.5% by weight of the total composition.
 13. A methodaccording to claim 12 additionally comprising mixing into thecomposition an alcohol selected from the group consisting of isopropylalcohol, 1-propanol, 1-methoxy 2-propanol, ethanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanoland mixtures thereof.
 14. A method according to claim 12 wherein thesurfactant is selected from the group consisting of fluorocarbon,alcohol sulfate amine salt, alcohol phosphate salt, alkyl phosphateethoxylate, sulfonomide and fluorinated alkyl alkoxylate.
 15. A methodaccording to claim 12 wherein the active ingredient is selected from thegroup consisting of silicone, hydrocarbon oil, vegetable oil, lecithin,and fatty acid.
 16. A method according to claim 12 wherein the activeingredient is an insoluble soap.
 17. A method according to claim 12wherein active ingredient has a mass weighted mean particle diameter ofbetween 0.10μ and 0.40μ.
 18. A method of improving release of moldedobjects from molds comprising: spraying the mold with a mold releasecomposition comprising:i. water, present at about 60% to about 96% byweight of the composition; ii. a release agent, present at about 0.5% toabout 20% by weight of the composition; iii. a surfactant, present atabout 0.003% to about 0.5% by weight of the composition: and iv. avolatile organic compound, present at about 2% to about 20% by weight ofthe composition;which has been homogenized such that so that essentiallyall of the agent has a particle diameter no greater than 1.0μ.
 19. Amethod according to claim 18 wherein the volatile organic compoundweight alcohol is selected from the group consisting of isopropylalcohol, 1-propanol, 1-methoxy 2-propanol, ethanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanoland mixtures thereof.
 20. A method according to claim 18 wherein thevolatile organic compound is selected from the group consisting of1-propyl amine, 2-propyl amine and mixtures thereof.
 21. A methodaccording to claim 18 wherein the surfactant is selected from the groupconsisting of fluorocarbons, alcohol sulfate amine salts, alkylphosphate ethoxylates, fluorinated alkyl alkoxylates and sulfonomides.22. A method according to claim 18 wherein the release agent is selectedfrom the group consisting of silicone, lecithin, and hydrocarbon oils.23. A method according to claim 18 wherein the mold release compositionadditionally comprises a water-insoluble compound selected from thegroup consisting of naphtha, water-insoluble aromatic hydrocarbon or amixture thereof.
 24. A method according to claim 18 wherein the releaseagent is a mixture of a high viscosity silicone and a low viscositysilicone.
 25. The method according to claim 18 wherein said mold releasecomposition additionally comprises 0.1 to 1.0% of a second surfactantfor extending the shelf life of said composition selected from the groupconsisting of fluorinated alkyl alkoxylates and sulfonomides,fluorocarbons, alcohol sulfate amine salts, alcohol phosphate salts,alkyl phosphate ethoxylates and mixtures thereof.
 26. The methodaccording to claim 18 wherein the surfactant is present at about 0.2weight percent of the composition.